BRUSSELS, May 20 (BV) — The European Commission on Wednesday released €158.9 million to Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia under the EU Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans.
The latest disbursement includes €49 million for Albania, €44.2 million for Montenegro and €65.7 million for North Macedonia following what Brussels described as positive reform progress by the governments of Prime Minister Edi Rama, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
The Commission said Albania and Montenegro advanced reforms linked to business competitiveness, innovation and investment, while North Macedonia implemented reforms focused on education and digitalisation.
With the latest payment, total funding released under the facility has reached €212.8 million for Albania, €89.3 million for Montenegro and €142.1 million for North Macedonia.
According to the Commission, part of the funds will go directly into state budgets, while the remaining amounts will support infrastructure and investment projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework.
In Albania, reforms assessed by Brussels included measures to improve the business environment, facilitate investments and expand financing access for start-ups and companies operating in green and digital sectors.
Montenegro’s reforms focused on research, innovation and strengthening the national innovation ecosystem for scientists, businesses and research institutions.
In North Macedonia, the Commission evaluated reforms related to financing primary and secondary education and expanding digital infrastructure and IT equipment in schools.
The investment component of the funding will support projects in transport, clean energy, digital transformation and human capital development across the region.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the Growth Plan was producing visible effects for citizens across the Western Balkans.
“In Albania, it is becoming easier to start and grow a business. In Montenegro, scientists are getting more support to turn innovative ideas into concrete products. In North Macedonia, students will have better access to modern IT equipment in classrooms,” Kos said.
The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, adopted in 2023, aims to accelerate economic convergence and prepare regional partners for eventual membership in the European Union.
The plan is backed by a €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility, with governments reporting progress on reforms every six months.
The European Commission said total financing released under the mechanism since 2024 has reached €673.6 million.